2019 Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse Coupe Analysis

We have decided to take three spy photos of the new E-Klasse Coupe(the cleanest ones, so far) and carefully inspect them, pointing out the main design characteristics of the soon-to-be-unveiled sporty Stuttgarter. If you were not already sure, the new E-Klasse Coupe will boast double, trapezoidal headlights. Unfortunately for those who hate the idea of double fog lights, they will clearly become reality. After a careful look, we can state that the Coupe will remain an E, thus contradicting those claiming that it will be badged CLE. The shape of the taillights will be different for the coupe and for the limousine. We would have preferred a new design for the rims that will equip high-end models, because it seems that they are very much resembling a set of rims currently offered for the CLC-Klasse. The intriguing, triangular piece of glass located at the rear section of the side windows will enter into series production.

Up until now they were reserved for the Maybach models with a long wheelbase, but they can now also be fitted in the more compact variants. The large electrotransparent panoramic glass sunroof is also only available from Maybach. In order to regulate the climate in the hugely spacious interior, the Maybach saloons are equipped with an unparalleled climate control system. The high-end luxury saloons are equipped with two leading-edge automatic climate control systems - one for the front section of the car and a separate second unit for the rear compartment. Sensors allow the air conditioning systems to respond to the temperature and air humidity, the intensity of the sun and the level of pollution in the outside air. Journeying in a Maybach means relaxing in peace and calm. If at all, noise from the road or airflow reaches the ears of the passengers as though from afar. The high-end luxury saloons from Sindelfingen possess nigh-on proverbial quiet-running characteristics. The smooth ride is all thanks to the carefully optimised, low natural body frequencies, a suspension with a hydraulic subframe and shock absorbers meticulously developed with enormous attention to detail.

Also co-responsible for the exemplary smooth ride are the four-bearing propshaft, the differential with gears carefully ground-in by hand and the large wheels with tyres specially developed for the Maybach. Michelin had made no less than 27 tyre samples available just for the Maybach saloons, and it was only after lengthy tuning work that the best result was finally achieved. But it is not only these major measures that turn the Maybach saloons into a blissfully peaceful haven reminiscent of a sedan chair. And Maybach does not leave the task of achieving perfection at the highest level merely to intensive engineering work - this happens first and foremost in the Maybach Manufaktur itself. Only the very best specialists work here. Just as every single Maybach is individually equipped, they also treat each Maybach as an individual. And they add their signature to the certificate which belongs to every saloon, confirming the high quality of their work.

This means that the Maybach is far from being an anonymous product - each employee is identifiable and takes personal responsibility. This also applies to the employees at the Manufaktur who are responsible for the final inspection. Maybach prescribes for every single vehicle, and one which goes far beyond what is customary. Tailor-made individualisation is part of the recipe for success of the luxury Maybach brand. It offers its customers unique ways of customising the specification of its top-class saloons. The Manufaktur in Sindelfingen turns a whole host of special requests in reality: of crucial importance in the work performed are the materials and cutting-edge technologies used to offer an extraordinary visual and tactile experience. This is why the Maybach specialists repeatedly come up with superb new materials and paint finishes - many of them specially developed for Maybach and not available from any other vehicle manufacturer. One of the brand-new features is the option of having individual motifs included on the partition window.

1.8T models, with their 170-horsepower, 1.8-liter engine, and 2.0T quattro (all-wheel-drive) models, with a 220-hp, 2.0-liter engine. Both are turbocharged, direct-injected in-line fours with iron blocks and aluminum heads, and mated to the familiar (VW/Audi) six-speed DSG (automated dual-clutch) gearbox. Audi quotes 0-60 mph times of 7.2 seconds with the 1.8T and 5.8 seconds with the 2.0T, but that may be due to shift points and launch smoothness (there is a launch-control feature in the stability control). In reality these two models feel just as quick in normal driving conditions—although we noted a somewhat raspier note from the 1.8T when pressed. The most coveted edition will be the S3. The A3 runs on a transverse-engine architecture, with a strut front suspension isolated on its own subframe, with a four-link torsion-beam rear suspension used for efficient packaging. Audi's Drive Select will also let drivers fine-tune the A3's throttle feel and steering effort over the usual auto, sport, comfort, and individual ranges. As for quattro all-wheel drive, the system in the A3 isn't at all the same as the one that's used in Audi's larger models from the A4 family on up.